No seniors, no problem.
East Union High’s boys golf team has reloaded with youth and experienced returners, and they shined in their Valley Oak League opener against dangerous Sonora at Manteca Park Golf Course Tuesday.
The reigning co-champion won 204-225 and was led by Jordan Duvall’s even-par 37 on the front nine.
Head coach Dennis Wells intentionally didn’t schedule any preseason matches because of the all-around youth of his team. He also had players join late from the basketball season.
The Lancers showed little rust.
“I’m extremely happy with these guys,” Wells said. “To have three beginners shoot the scores they did in their first real match, I’m pleased.
“This was a great start for us, and I told the guys today that I want us to break 200 by midseason and break 190 before the season is over.”
Duvall had a chance to finish the round at 1-under after getting a big break on the ninth hole. His 70-yard approach sailed the green and went out of bounds, but the ball took a fortunate bounce off the concrete and sent it back into play — about 12 feet from the cup.
The junior missed the birdie try, but it was one par he was glad to get.
East Union has a few other candidates to fill the lead role left by two-time league MVP Kyle Harman. Junior Evan Lewis carded a 39, and sophomores Will Brink and Zachary Couch recorded a 40 and 41, respectively.
Eric Lewis, one of two freshmen in the starting six, rounded out the team score with a 47.
“JD is really stepping in that role,” Wells said. “He’s working really hard and really wants it.”
At Oakdale Golf and Country Club, Tim Baker, Nick Gonzales and Kody Morris recorded a 47, 48 and 49 in order for the Buffaloes, but Oakdale newcomer Ryan Jones topped all competitors.
Jones’ 3-over 39 was good for medalist honors, and he was complemented by three 42 scores from teammates Ian Stogdell, Issac Rellamas and Reid Tripp.
Also scoring for Manteca were Casey Benson (57) and Derek Benson (58).
Non-league
Ripon 213, West 286
At Spring Creek Country Club, host Ripon (3-0) had little trouble in its final tune-up for Thursday’s big match with Trans Valley League champion Escalon.
Sophomore Andrew Bonner paced the Indians with a 1-under 35, Josh Richter scored a 41, Jordan Williams a 45 and Jack Brierly and Zach Capel a 46 apiece.
Ripon and Escalon meet at Oakdale Golf and Country Club Thursday.
East Union High’s boys golf team has reloaded with youth and experienced returners, and they shined in their Valley Oak League opener against dangerous Sonora at Manteca Park Golf Course Tuesday.
The reigning co-champion won 204-225 and was led by Jordan Duvall’s even-par 37 on the front nine.
Head coach Dennis Wells intentionally didn’t schedule any preseason matches because of the all-around youth of his team. He also had players join late from the basketball season.
The Lancers showed little rust.
“I’m extremely happy with these guys,” Wells said. “To have three beginners shoot the scores they did in their first real match, I’m pleased.
“This was a great start for us, and I told the guys today that I want us to break 200 by midseason and break 190 before the season is over.”
Duvall had a chance to finish the round at 1-under after getting a big break on the ninth hole. His 70-yard approach sailed the green and went out of bounds, but the ball took a fortunate bounce off the concrete and sent it back into play — about 12 feet from the cup.
The junior missed the birdie try, but it was one par he was glad to get.
East Union has a few other candidates to fill the lead role left by two-time league MVP Kyle Harman. Junior Evan Lewis carded a 39, and sophomores Will Brink and Zachary Couch recorded a 40 and 41, respectively.
Eric Lewis, one of two freshmen in the starting six, rounded out the team score with a 47.
“JD is really stepping in that role,” Wells said. “He’s working really hard and really wants it.”
Oakdale 208, Manteca 259
At Oakdale Golf and Country Club, Tim Baker, Nick Gonzales and Kody Morris recorded a 47, 48 and 49 in order for the Buffaloes, but Oakdale newcomer Ryan Jones topped all competitors.
Jones’ 3-over 39 was good for medalist honors, and he was complemented by three 42 scores from teammates Ian Stogdell, Issac Rellamas and Reid Tripp.
Also scoring for Manteca were Casey Benson (57) and Derek Benson (58).
Manteca next hosts Stagg of Stockton today in a non-league match.
Non-league
Ripon 213, West 286
At Spring Creek Country Club, host Ripon (3-0) had little trouble in its final tune-up for Thursday’s big match with Trans Valley League champion Escalon.
Sophomore Andrew Bonner paced the Indians with a 1-under 35, Josh Richter scored a 41, Jordan Williams a 45 and Jack Brierly and Zach Capel a 46 apiece.
Ripon and Escalon meet at Oakdale Golf and Country Club Thursday.
